Slider for fastener strips



June 13, W67 s. AUSNIT SLIDER FOR FASTENER STRIPS Filed June 10, 1965 1 N VENTOR.

A TTORNE YS FASTENER. STRIPS This invention relates generally to flexible slide fasteners such as employed to close an opening in a pouch or envelope and more particularlyto an improved slider for joining and for separating a pair of flexible closure strips having confronting interlocking elements and to a method of installing such a slider on a finished pouch or similar structure employing flexible closure strips across an opening therein.

Flexible closure strips employed at the mouth of a bag or pouch and sliders for opening and closing the mouth of the bag by separating and joining the closure strips are old in the art per se. Although these prior art structures have been adequate in many respects, they have, inherent in their structure, several deficiencies.

Those prior art slider structures which combine the functions of separating and joining the closure strips entirely within the slider body exhibit a distinct disadvantage in that an undesirable amount of friction is encountered in their use. In order for these two functions to be performed entirely Within the slider body, it has been necessary to position the side walls of the body in non-parallel relationship with one another. As a result,- the slider can bind upon the closure strips during movement relative thereto and the user may encounter a certain amount of resistance during opening and closing of the bag. Furthermore, since it has generally been necessary in such prior art structures to provide a slider with a minimum length, exceedingly close tolerances were maintained within the slider body and between the structures performing the separating and joining of the closure strips. These close tolerances previously required in slider structures resulted in additional resistance to the movement of the slider with respect to the closure strips.

In those prior-art structures wherein the separating of the closure strips was performed externally-of the slider body, binding of the slider with the closure strips also resulted. In such structures which employed a separating finger externerally of the slider body and interposed between the closure strips, the finger was susceptible to jamming between the closure strips. This difliculty resulted from the relative size of the finger which was usually too narrow in comparison to the width of the opening through the slide member and the relative distance of the finger from the slider body.

Another difliculty encountered with the heretofore known slider structures is that such structures required installation onto the closure strips before the strips could be secured to the mouth of the bag or pouch. This requirement involved a considerable cost in the manufacture of such bags, since the mounting of the sliders onto the fastener strips would interrupt the flow of material.

Still another deficiency realized by such prior known structures is that the slider would not allow complete opening of the closure strips and, therefore, the mouth of the bag could not be opened to its fullest extent. That is, when the slider was extended to one edge of the bag in which the closure strips were separated from one another, that portion of the closure strips engaged by the slider at such position would necessarily remain closed. It is for this reason that the prior artslider structures had to be designed with exceedingly small tolerances such that the overall length of the slider could be maintained within minimum dimensions.

Because of the inadequate length of the side flanges 3,324,529 Patented June 13, 1967 heretofore necessary, the prior known sliders for separating and joining a pair of flexible closure strips would tend to ride up at either the front or the back of the slider body onto the strips during movement thereof across the mouth of the bag.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a slider for separating and joining a pair of closure strips wherein the separate functions performed thereby are substantially isolated from one another.

Still another object of the present invention resides in the provision of a slider for a pair of closure strips having a finger extending a sufficient distance therefrom and being of sufficient width in relation to the opening of the slider body to provide aminimurn resistance to its movement with respect to the closure strips and prevent binding.

Another object of the present invention resides in the provision of a slider for a pair of flexible closure strips having parallel side walls extending over a considerable I length thereof to insure strips.

Yet another object of the present invention resides in the provision of a retaining flange on a separating finger of a slider for engaging a cross seal joining a pair of flexible closure strips at one extreme position thereof with respect to the closure strips thus allowing full openproper interlocking of the closure ing of the closure strips yet keeping the slider from being disengaged thereof.

Another object of the present invention resides in the provision of a slider for a pair of flexible closure strips which is adapted to extend over one side edge ofthe bag at one extreme position of the slider with respect to the closure strips and when the strips are separated from one another.

Still another object of the present invention resides in the provision of a bearing flange extending from one side wall of a slider body which is adapted to engage a shoulder on one closure strip and which extends the entire length of the slider body so as to eliminate binding action with the closure strips and keep the slider provide a slider for a pair of flexible closure strips havfrom the slider body and having an indentation therein for providing an adequate width to the finger in relation to the opening of the slider body.

These and other objects, features and' advantages of the present invention will be more fully realized and understood from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a view in perpective of a bag or pouch with a pair of flexible closure strips at the mouth thereof and a closure strip slider thereon;

FIGURE 2 is a view in perspective of the slider illustrated in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line IIIIII of FIGURE 1 with the bag partially. broken away and showing the interaction of the slider with the closure strips;

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged sectional view taken along i r line IVIV of FIGURE 1 with the bag shown broken away and illustrating another relationship of the slider.

with respect to the closure strips; and

mg a separating finger extending a prescribed distance 3 thereon illustrating the relationship of the slider with respect to a cross seal between the closure strips.

Like reference numerals throughout the various views of the drawing are intended to designate the same or similar structures.

With reference to the drawing, and in particular to FIGURE 1, there is shown a pouch or bag which may be fabricated from two sheets of material sealed together at side edges 12 and 14 and at a bottom edge 16, or from a single piece of material folded at the bottom edge 16 and sealed at the two side edges 12, 14. A mouth 18 is provided at an upper portion of the bag 10, and a pair of closure strips 20 and 22 are secured to the bag 10 at the mouth 18 thereof. A slide 24 engages the closure strips 20, 22 and by movement of the slide 24 across the mouth 18, the closure strips 20, 22 are either joined together or separated from one another.

The slide 24 is more particularly shown in FIGURE 2 and includes a body portion 26 having a top wall 28 and a pair of side walls 30 and 32 extending downwardly therefrom. The side walls 30, 32 are disposed in parallel relationship with one another and substantially at right angles with the top wall 28. At the rearward end of the side walls 30, 32 are provided a pair of wings 34 and 36 extending outwardly from the slider body 26 and tapered outwardly from one another. At the forward end of the slider body 26 is provided another pair of wings 38 and 40 coextensive with the sides 30, 32 respectively. The wings 38, 40 are also outwardly flared and outwardly tapered with respect to one another.

A cantilevered extension 42 extends forwardly of the top wall 28. Secured to the extended end of the cantilevered member 42 is a finger 44 having an indentation 46 therein and which is orthogonally disposed with respect to the cantilevered member 42. A retaining flange 48 extends from a lower end of the finger 46 and is orthogonally disposed with respect thereto.

It is necessary to maintain the relative dimensions of the slider within the prescribed limits so as to provide the several novel results obtainable therefrom. As shown in FIGURE 2, the length of the finger designated with the letter D is preferably no less than /2 the height of the slider body designated with the letter A and no more than two times the dimension A. The separating finger 44 is extended from the slider body 26 as designated by the letter B and the length of the body 26, not including the wings, is designated with the letter C. The dimension B should be no less than M1. the dimension C and should be no less than-four times the dimension C. More particularly, the dimension B may have a range of between A of an inch and of an inch, while the dimension C may have a range of between A of an inch to /2 of an inch. The width of the finger 44 is designated with the letter E, while the opening between the side walls 30, 32 of the slider body 26 is designated with the letter F. The dimension E should be no less than 0.3 times the dimension F and should be no more than 0.7 times the dimension F. Preferably, the dimension B should be 0.5 times the dimension F. These particular ratios provide the several novel results attainable with the slider illustrated in FIGURE 2.

FIGURE 3 is a sectional view taken along line IIIIII of FIGURE 1 showing the fastener strips in section and separated by the separating finger 44. The fastener strip 20 includes a marginal flap portion 50 having a pair of ribs 52 and 54 extending therefrom and each forming grooves 56 and 58. Each of the ribs 52, 54 include inturn shoulder portions 60 and 62 respectively facing into the grooves 56, 58 respectively. The marginal flap portion 50 terminates at a lower end thereof in a shoulder 64 and is connected to a web portion 66 which is disposed for being secured on one side of the mouth 18 of the bag 10.

The fastener strip 22 similarly includes a marginal flap portion 68 having a pair of ribs 70 and 72 extending therefrom and defining a pair of grooves 74 and 76 respectively. Each of the ribs 70, 72 include shoulders 78 and 80 facing inwardly toward the grooves 74, 76 respectively. The marginal flap portion 68 is connected by a lateral web portion 80 to a web portion 82 which is disposed for being secured to the other side of the mouth 18 of the bag 10.

As shown in FIGURES 2 and 3, the finger 44 has a groove 46 therein which provides the proper width to the finger 44 for separating the fastener strips 20, 22 and for providing a wedge shape thereto for assisting in the separating function. As more clearly stated in FIGURE 3, the finger 44 is of suflicient width to separate the fastener strips 20, 22 without binding against the respective rib portions thereof. It can be readily appreciated that a relatively thin finger, in place of the wide finger illustrated in the drawing, would bind against the rib portions, since the separating function would occur at or very close to the leading edge thereof. However, with the width within the range previously mentioned, the separating function of the fastener strips 20, 22 occurs at a spaced distance from the finger such that no binding action with the rib portions will occur.

As illustrated in FIGURE 4, the slider 24 includes a bearing flange 84 extending orthogonally from the side wall 30 thereof and extending the entire length of the side wall 30. The bearing flange 84 is disposed for engaging the shoulder portion 64 of the marginal portion 50 of the strip 20. The bearing flange 84 eliminates any difficulties arising from the slider 24 riding up on the fastener strips and binding thereon such as in the case of a shorter flange. As will be more fully appreciated hereinbelow, the length dimensions of the slider 24 need not be maintained within a minimum range and, therefore, the bearing flange 84 may be of suflicient length so as to maintain the slider 24 in parallel relationship with the fastener strips 20, 22 while it is being moved therealong.

The finger 44 with the side wall 30 and wing portion 38 provide a channel for the fastener strip 20 passing through the slider body 26. The top wall 28 and the hearing flange 84 form integral parts of this same channel for maintaining the fastener strip 20, 22 in fixed relationship with the slider 24. Similarly, the finger 44 and the side wall 32 form a channel for the fastener strip 22. Such structure, therefore, does not allow the ribs and grooves of the marginal portion 50 to become misaligned with the ribs and grooves of the marginal portion 68.

As illustrated in FIGURE 5, the sides of the bag 10 are sealed together at an edge 14 and form a cross seal 86 extending the entire length of the edge 14. A spot seal 88 additionally joins the two fastener strips and provides a shoulder 90 at a bottom surface thereof joining with the cross seal 86. As illustrated in FIGURE 5, the slider 24 can extend over the edge 14 of the bag 10 by virtue of the retaining flange 48 engaging the shoulder 90 of the spot seal 88. In this manner, the bag 10 can be opened to its fullest extent without fear of losing the slider 24. If desired, the slider 24 can be removed from the bag 10 while in the position illustrated in FIGURE 5 by rotating the slider -24 in a clockwise direction and forcing the retaining flange 48 over the edge of the shoulder 90. However, this removal of the slider 24 is resisted sufiiciently by the spot seal 88 being engaged by the retaining flange 48 so that the slider 24 cannot be inadvertently lost and can only be removed when it is purposely intended.

One of the novel features of the present invention al lows the slider 24 to be placed onto the flexible closure strips after the strips have been secured to the mouth of the bag 10. Prior to placement of the slider 24 onto the bag 10, the side walls 30, 32 are spread apart so that the distance between the end of the bearing flange 84 and the side wall 32 is equal to approximately the thickness of the two fastener strips 20, 22. The side walls 30,

32 can be spread a greater distance if desired and also, the slider 24 can be fabricated such that the sides 30, 32 are preset at a predetermined angle which may vary from approximately 5 to as much as 45. This spreading of the sides 30, 32 allows the slider 24 to be placed over the two fastener strips 20, 22 with the finger 44 interposed between the two strips. After such placement of the slider 24 onto the fastener strips 20, 22 the sides 30, 32 can be pressed into the parallel relationship, as shown in the drawing, such that the flange 84 bears against the shoulder 64. Therefore, the novel structures of the present invention provide a method of installing a slider onto a pair of fastener strips after the fastener strips have been secured to the mouth of a bag.

The principles of the invention explained in connection with the specific exemplifications thereon will suggest many other applications and modifications of the same. It is accordingly desired that in construing the breadth of the appended claims they shall not be limited to the specific details shown and described in connection with the exemplifications thereof.

I claim as my invention:

1. In combination,

(a) a fastener comprising 1) a pair of interlocking strips, and

(2) a cross seal connecting said strips at respective ends thereof, and a spot seal at one end thereof extending from said cross seal to form a shoulder substantially orthogonally to said cross seal; and

(b) a slider comprising (1) a body portion enclosing a portion of said strips defined by a top wall and a pair of side walls extending downwardly from said top wall,

(2) a separating finger extending downwardly and located beyond the ends of said side walls,

(3) a cantilevered member extending from one edge of said top wall to one end of said finger, and

(4) a retaining flange extending from the other end of said finger toward said body and disposed for engaging the shoulder of said spot seal.

2. In combination,

(a) a fastener comprising (1) a pair of interlocking strips, and

(2) a seal connecting said strips at respective ends thereof including a bottom surface; and

(b) a slider comprising (1) a body portion enclosing a portion of said strips defined by a top wall and a pair of side walls extending downwardly from said top wall,

(2) a separating finger extending downwardly and located beyond the ends of said side walls,

(3) means for maintaining said finger a fixed spaced distance from an edge of said body, and

(4) a retaining flange extending from one end of said finger toward a bottom portion of said body and disposed for engaging the bottom surface of said seal.

3. In combination,

(a) a fastener comprising (1) a pair of interlocking strips, one of said strips having an external shoulder on a lower portion thereof, and

(2) a seal connecting said strips at respective ends thereof including a bottom surface; and

(b) a slider comprising (1) a body portion enclosing a portion of said strips and including a top wall and a pair of side walls extending downwardly from said top wall, one of said side walls having a bearing flange extending from a lower edge thereof toward the other of said side walls and disposed for engaging said external shoulder.

(2) a separating finger extending downwardly and located beyond the ends of said side walls,

(3) means for maintaining said finger a fixed spaced distance from an edge of said body, and

(4) a retaining flange extending from one end of said finger toward a bottom portion of said body and disposed for engaging the bottom surface of said seal.

4. A combination as defined in claim 2, wherein said finger has a width of between 0.3 and 0 .7 the width of the opening between said side walls.

5. A combination as defined in claim 4, wherein said finger has a width of 0.5 the width of the opening between said side walls.

6. A combination as defined in claim 2, wherein said interlocking strips extend in a longitudinal direction parallel to one another and said bottom surface of said seal extends longitudinally from respective ends of and between said strips.

7. A combination as defined in claim 6, wherein the edges of said bottom surface of said seal are secured to a respective one of said strips.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,666,110 4/1928 Statham 24205.12 1,703,712 2/1929 Aud 24-2013 X 3,115,689 12/1963 Jacobs '24--20l.3 X 3, 122,807 3/ 1964 Ausnit 24201.3 X

FOREIGN PATENTS 113,3 ()6 2/ 1945 Sweden.

BERNARD A. GELAK, Primary Examiner. 

1. IN COMBINATION, (A) A FASTENER COMPRISING (1) A PAIR OF INTERLOCKING STRIPS, AND (2) A CROSS SEAL CONNECTING SAID STRIPS AT RESPECTIVE ENDS THEREOF, AND A SPOT SEAL AT ONE END THEREOF EXTENDING FROM SAID CROSS SEAL TO FORM A SHOULDER SUBSTANTIALLY ORTHOGONALLY TO SAID CORSS SEAL; AND (B) A SLIDER COMPRISING (1) A BODY PORTION ENCLOSING A PORTION OF SAID STRIPS DEFINED BY A TOP WALL AND A PAIR OF SIDE WALLS EXTENDING DOWNWARDLY FROM SAID TOP WALL, (2) A SEPARATING FINGER EXTENDING DOWNWARDLY AND LOCATED BEYOND THE ENDS OF SAID SIDE WALLS, (3) A CANTILEVERED MEMBER EXTENDING FROM ONE EDGE OF SAID TOP WALL TO ONE END OF SAID FINGER, AND (4) A RETAINING FLANGE EXTENDING FROM THE OTHER END OF SAID FINGER TOWARD SAID BODY AND DISPOSED OF ENGAGING THE SHOULDER OF SAID SPOT SEAL. 